What can contribute to metal fatigue over time?

Repeatedly applied loads are a significant contributor to metal fatigue because they cause the material to undergo alternating stress cycles. Each cycle of loading and unloading induces microstructural changes within the metal, eventually leading to the formation of small cracks. Over time, these cracks can propagate, which compromises the integrity of the material and can result in sudden failure.

The effect of repeated loading is particularly critical as it affects the material's ability to withstand further stress, ultimately reducing its overall lifespan. This phenomenon is essential to consider in various applications, such as in machinery, structural components, and vehicles, where materials are routinely subjected to cyclical stresses.

While other factors like excessive polishing, lack of lubrication, and improper storage can influence the performance of metal components, they do not directly address the fundamental mechanism of fatigue caused by cyclic loading. Instead, these factors may contribute to wear, corrosion, or other forms of degradation, but the central cause of metal fatigue is the effect of repeated stress over time.